Image: Supplied.

Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen has taken victory in the opening round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, marking his long-awaited return to the top step of the 450 Class podium.

The first 450 Class moto of the afternoon saw Roczen win over Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb.

Later, after finishing fourth in moto one, it was Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) who rode to victory ahead of Roczen and Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) in challenging conditions.

Overall, Roczen’s 1-2 outing provided him with his first win since the final round of his championship-winning 2016 season, topping Tomac and Anderson. Roczen holds a slim four-point lead over Tomac in the 450 Class standings.

Australian champion Dean Ferris was ninth overall in his debut with Monster Energy Yamaha after recording 11-8 results, while countryman Todd Waters (Husqvarna) claimed 12th via 12-13 finishes.

Round one of the 250 Class season saw Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo rebound from his heartbreaking end to the AMA Supercross season with a hard-fought win.

Cianciarulo’s 2-1 finishes earned him the overall ahead of opening moto winner Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Yamaha), while his teammate Colt Nichols completed the podium. Australia’s Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda) took P11, with Wilson Todd (KTM) 12th.

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday, 25 May, with American motocross’ anticipated return to Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for the first time since the 2011 season.

Detailed results